Internal combustion engine



May 9 '1939-' G. R. LANGROGNET 2,157,764

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE Filed Au'g. 8, 1936y 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 May 9, 1939- G. R. LANGROGNET I 2,157,764

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE Filed Aug. 8, 1956 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 (fai/7a?,

May 9, 1939 G. R. LANGROGNET 2,157,754

INTERNAL COMBUSTI ON ENGINE Filed Aug. 8, 1936 s sheets-sheet s (Z l wulifur 119,157' Gea/56s, Rayman; Lduwagnef Patented May 9, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlcE vINTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE Georges Raymond Langrognet, Orleans-Loiret,

. France Application August 8, 1936, Serial No. 94,901

In France August 10, 1935 11 Claims.

'Ihe invention has for its object to produceva motor adapted to operate with heavy oil or petrol,

said motor; particularly intended for aviation,

being very light' and permitting the collection by the power take off shaft of great power with a reduced linear speed of the pistons.

The motor accprding to the invention is lessentially characterized by its cylindersbeing arranged according to the sides of a regular poly'- gon and being contained in the same plane, its

various pistons being connected to vthe motor f'shaft by an-oscillating cross head and the power take off shaft being parallel to the said plane.

In the accompanying drawings given simply by way of example:

Fig. 1 is a general view from the side of the motor, one of the sides of its casing being supposed as being partially removed;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view on` line II-II of Fig. 1; Y Fig. 3 is a sectional view on line III-III of Fig. 2, the cylinder in question being represented in a vertical position;

Figs.4 and 5 are, respectively, plan V'views of the inner face of a cylinder head and one of the faces of the corresponding piston;

Fig. 6 `is a partial sectional view showing a variation in the connection of the pistons with the crc'ss head;

Fig. 'l is Va sectional Fig. 6; and D Fig. 8 is a view partly in section showing another embodiment of the connection ofthe pistons ywith the cross head and also a de vice permitting the variation while running of the am plitude of stroke of each pistn in its cylinder.

According tothe example shown in Figs.v 1 to 3, the motor is constituted by four cylinders, A, B, C, and'D, inclined by 45 to the horizontal, so ast to form the four sides of a quadrilateral, pref erablya square. The cylinders, which are all -in the same plane, are each fixed/by means of `a base, such as I (Fig. 2), on two parallel side pieces 2 and 3 forming with the four bases of the cyl-A inders, a` closed casing 4. 1

Each cylinder, the 'cylinder' A, 'for example, shown in detail in Figs. 2 and 3; is constituted by a tube fitted in a liner support t, having apertures and preferably madev of light. metal, said .support being made with partitions or` longitudinal ribs. 1 so as to constitute a.l sleeve forthe circulation of thelcoolingagent, preferably air.

The tube 5 and the support 6 are providedv with a slot 8 permitting as will be presently seen, the

displacement of a leveror connecting rod attached tothe pistonv mountedin the cylinder A view on line VII-VII of (Cl. 12S-54) and intended 'forthe transmission of the movements of the piston to the motor shaft.

The mortice orrslot 8 is symmetrical with respect to the central plane of cylinder A.

The cylinder A is provided at each end with a cylinder head which, in the case of a motor utilizing heavy oil as fuel, comprises an air admission valve 9, an exhaust valve I0, and, between the two valves, a fuel injector' Il. In order to insure an intimate mixture between the combusti` ble and the air, the inner face of the cylinder head is provided with grooves I2 and I3 (Fig. 4) made in the form of two spirals of opposite direction, said grooves breaking up and interminglin the bodies of air and atomized fuel. J Within each cylinder is mounted a double acting piston. The four pistons corresponding t0 the four cylinders, A, B, C and D, are indicated respectively on the drawing (Fig. 1) by E, F, G and H. Each piston delimits within the correspending cylinder two combustion chambers indicated, respectively, by .A' and Af', for the cylinder A, Bf and B for the cylinder B, C' and C" for the cylinder C, and D' and D" for the cylinder D. A

Each piston(Figs. 2 and 3) is constituted by a cylindrical tube III closed at its two ends and is shorter than tube 5. The-outer diameter of the tube III is approximately equal to the inner clearance of the cylinder in which the piston is mounted. The tight t between the piston and the corresponding cylinder is obtained by means of rings, such as i5, mounted, in the example shown, on the piston.

fuel-and air, the two extreme faces of each pis` -ton (Fig. 5) are provided with grooves made in the form of -two spirals I6 and I'I, running in opposite directions.. It is to be noted that the groove I6 of the face of theepiston runs in a direction opposite to that of the groove IZ of the cylinder head with which it cooperates. In the same way, the groove Il runs in a direction opposiw`to that of groove I3.

The wall of the piston is formed on the side of the slot 8 of the cylinder with an opening I8, and the said piston is provided on the inside,

midway of its length, with a cross pin I9 xed l stituted by the four arms of a cross head or spider 2 I, which is mounted so as to be able to oscillate about, a shaft arranged in the centrelof the quadrilateral formed by the four cylinders A, B, C and D.

The connection of leach arm ofthe cross head 2| with the corresponding piston is obtained by means of a forkv 22 provided at the outer end of each arm and engaging with the corresponding cross pin I9.

The central or motor shaft on which the cross head 2| oscillates is made in two sections 23 and 24 arranged end to end and mounted by means of suitable ball bearings in the sides 2 and 3 of the motor` c-asing.

As shown (Fig. 2) the cross head 2| is mounted on the sections of shafts 23 and 24, so that its hub extends over the inner end of both sections by'a similar amount." The hub" of the cross head 2| is made in such manner as to permit the mounting in position of two ball clutch mechanisms 25 and 26 operating in opposite directions, said clutches being adapted to alternately connect the cross he'ad 2| with one or the other of the two sections 23 and 24.on each oscillation of the said cross head. In other words, the ball clutches 25 and 26 are so arranged that when the cross head oscillates in the direction of the arrow 21 (Fig. 3) it actuates the shaft section 23 and when it oscillates in the direction of the arrow 28 it actuates the shaft section 24, the ball clutch 25 having its ball wedging surfaces inclined in the direction opposite to that of the 'ball wedging sur- It will be easily understood that by virtue of the arrangement shown whatever the direction of oscillation of the cross head 2| the driven kthe pinion 33 engaging with the two toothed rings 3| and 32 arranged oppositely to each other and rotating in opposite directions.

In order to regulate the stroke of the pistons in theircylinders, an arrangement is provided in connection with each of any two of nthe arms of the cross head 2| extending in opposite directions.

Each of these regulating devices is constituted by a crank plate 36 with an adjustable crank pin 31 connected to a xed pin 39 integral with the corresponding arm of the cross head, by means of a connecting rodf 38. The plate 36 rotates about a fixed axis, for example, a shaft 38' rotatably mounted in the\casing.

It will be understood that-by varying the position of the crank pin 31 with respect to the center of the crank plate 36 it is possible to limit the oscillating movement of the cross head 2|.

The regulation of the movement of the power take-oir shaft is obtained on the one hand by means of the two iiywheels 29 and 30 and on the other hand by means of two y wheels 4I, each keyed on the shaft 36' of the corresponding crank plate. y

The control of the admission valve 9 and the exhaust valve I0 corresponding to the same explosive chamber is obtained by means of two cams 42 and 43 keyed on the same shaft which shaft also carries a sprocket.

The driving of the sprocket 44 (to the number of eight in the example chosen and corresponding to a four-cylinder double-acting motor) is effected by .an endless chain 45 itself driven 1n rotation by, any suitable means.

In orderto prevent accidents resulting, for example, from a breakage of the chain 45, there may be used for the control of the shafts of the cams 42 and 43, two endless parallel chains 45 each controlling a sprocket keyed on leach camshaft.

The motor described is a four-cycle motor. Its operation is apparent from the preceding description. By way of example, it will be pointed 4out that the sequence of the cycles in the eight combustion chambers, assuming that chamber A There is shown in Figures 6 and 7 a variation of the connection of the pistons to the cross y head 2|.

In this modiiication, the piston 4 comprises an interior boss or shoulder 4,6. To the piston I4 is secured a rack carrying member 41 for ex-` ample by means of a nut 48 located in the interior of the boss 46.

. The placing in position of the nut 48 can be effected by providing an aperture 49 in the liner support 6 and the tube 5 constituting the cylinder.

The member 41 is provided at its inner end with a rack 50 'engaging with the teeth of a -segment 5I provided on the outer end of each arm of the cross head. The teeth of the rack 50 are in a straight line, the teeth of segment 5| being in a circular line, the center of which coincides with that of the cross head 2|.

The part 41 moving at the same time as the piston I4 imparts through the members 50 and 5I a reciprocating movement to the cross head 2 I In order toavoid abnormal work of the'pistons in their cylinders, on account of the reaction between the interengaging teeth tending to deiiect member 41,- said member 41 is formed with two longitudinal extensions 52, each carrying at its outer end a roller 53 moving on`the rolling path 54 provided on the casing 6 of the cylinder.v

It is to be noted that the pin 39 for the connecting rod 38 is, in the embodiment shown, carried by the part 41 and .not by the cross head 2|. Y. In this manner, the stroke of the piston is limited A method of connection, furthermore, prevents the piston from being angularly displaced, due to the effect of the component of rotation resulting from the cutting of spiral windings in opposite 'directions on the bottoms of the cylinders.

.In the second embodimentshown in Fig. 8, the connection between the piston I4 and the cross head 2| is effected by a knuckle joint system. In

this case, the endof each arm of the cross head 2|l is formed as a spherical element 55 whichiits between two p`arts 56 and 51 adapted to slide in a suitable recess 58 made in the interior of the piston I4.

To permit varying, whilst running, thehamplitude of the stroke of the pistons in their cylinof its ends to crank pin 31 (not shown) is connected at its other end to a stud 59 carried by a slide60 lodged in a groove 6I provided on one of the arms of the cross ,head 2|.

The slide 60 is retained in position by means of a threaded rod 62 passing through it from side to side and arranged radially with respect to the cross head 2|. 62l on the cross head 2l is eected in such manner that the rod can be rotated while it is restrained against axial displacement.

The inner end of the rod 62 .is provided with a bevel pinion 63 engaging-with a toothed rim 64,

'the axis of Iwhich coincides with that of the cross head 2i.

.The toothed rim 64 can rotate about its axis, but is connected to the cross head 2l through the intermediation of a rod 65. .The latter can slide in two bearings, 6,1, 61' of the cross vhead 2l and is attached at its inner endv to a fixed point 66 of the rim 64. Between the point of attachment 66 and the bearing 61'there is inserted a spring 68.

The displacements of the rod 65 are controlled directly by the driver of the motor through the intermediation of a flexible control.

Owing to the arrangement shown, the rim 64 shares all the movements of the cross head 2i without affecting the position `of the slide 60,

with' respect to the rod 62.

On the other hand, when the 'rod 65 is acted upon either by traction or by thrust, the toothed rim 64 is moved with respect to the cross head 2 l. According'to the direction of movementof said yrim, the threaded rod 62 rotates either to the right or to the left, causing either an inward or outward displacement of the slide 60 and con-A sequently a change inthe position of the point of attachment of the connecting rod 36 with respect to the cross head 2l. v ai It isthus possible to vary while the motor is running the amplitude of the movement of the cross head 2| and consequently the amplitude of movement of the piston in their cylinder. This permits of utilizing different fuels for'uthe operation of the motor and by varying the degree of compression to co pensate for the variations of atmospheric press e when the motor is mounted,

for example, on an aircraft. v

The motor according to the invention presents the great advantage of being free of vibration,

`due to the factI that only the power take-off shaft rotates at the rate of speed used, the other members; in particular the pistons, operating at a low speed which, furthermore, permits of obtaining a complete utilization of the charge, without compressor.

The consumption of fuel and lubricant are low, whilst the exhaust is silent without loss of power.

Naturally, the motor could comprise a greater or lesser number of cylinders than four, symmetrically arranged, in a common plane about a central axis. Furthermore, the transformation of the oscillating movements of the levers or 7 connecting rods into a movement of rotation of the power take-'off shaft could-be obtained by a mechanical transmission different from that shown. Finally, the motor could be equipped so as to operate with petrol.

.It is obvious that the invention is in nowise 7 limited to the embodiment. which'hasr been more especially described by way of example, and

that it extends to all possible modifications com-l y ing, fairly, within the scope of the appended" claims.

The mounting o'f the rod 'ing the oscillatory movement of the formerinto a rotatory movement of the latter in a continuous direction, and means` for adjusting the range of oscillation of lsaid oscillatable member and pistons.

2. In an internal combustion'engine comprising a shaft, an even number of cylinders symmetrically arranged in acommon plane, said plane being at right angles to said shaft, a reciprocating piston in each cylinder, and an oscillatable member having arms operatively associated with said pistons, mounted on said shaft, v a power-take off shaft having its axis in the same plane as the axes of said cylinders, and

power transmitting means interposed between said oscillatable member and said p'ower takeoff shaft converting the oscillatory movement of the former into a rotatory movement of the latter in a continuous direction.

3. An internal combustion engine comprising a shaft, an even number of cylinders symmetrically arranged in a commonA plane, said plane being 'at right angles to said shaft, a reciprocating piston lin each cylinder, an oscillatable member having arms operatively associated with said pistons, mounted on said shaft, a power take-01T 'shaft having itsaxis in the same plane as the axes of said'cylinders, means for adjusting the range of-oscillation of said member and pistons, and 'power transmitting means interposed between said oscillatable member and said power take-off shaft converting the oscillatory movement of the former into a rotatory movement of the latter in a continuous direction.

4.VAn internal combustion engine comprising a shaft, an even number of cylinders symmetrically .arranged in a `common plane, said plane being`v at right angles to said shaft, a reciprocating vpiston in each cylinder, an oscillatable member having arms operatively associated with said pistons, mounted onsaid shaft, a'power take-olf shaft, power transmitting means comprising two rotatable elements coaxial with said oscillatable' member, interposed between said member and said power take-off shaft, operatively associated with said power take-off shaft, 'and a unidirectionally operative clutch device interposed between said oscillatable member and each rotatable element, adapted to transmit movement from the former to the latter, said clutch devices being operative in vdirections opposite oneto the other.

' 5. An internal combustion engine comprising a shaft, an even number of. cylinders symmetrically arranged in a common plane, said plane being atright angles to said shaft, a reciprocating piston in each cylinder, an oscillatable member having arms operatively associated with said pistons, mounted on said'shaft, a power takeofi' shaft, power transmitting means comprising two bevel gears coaxial with said oscillatable member, one at each side thereof, and a bevel pinion interposed between -and meshing withV said gears driving said power take-off shafi'ffor transmitting movement from said oscillatable member to said power take-oil' shaft, and a unidirectionally operative clutch device interposed between said oscillatable member and each rotatable element, adapted to transmit movement from the former to the latter, said clutch de-` vices being operative in directions opposite one to the other.

6. An internal combustion engine comprising a. shaft, an even number of cylinders symmetrically arranged in a common plane, said plane being at right angles to said shaft, a reciprocating piston in each cylinder, an oscillatable member having arms operatively associated with said pistons, mounted on said shaft, a power take-.off shaft, power transmitting means comprising two rotatable elements coaxial with said oscillatable member, interposed between said member and power take-off shaft, operatively associated with said power take-olf shaft, a unidirectionally operative clutch device interposed between said oscillatable member and each rotatable element, adapted to` transmit movement from the former to the latter, said clutch devices being operative in directions opposite one to the other, and means for adjusting the range of oscillation of said oscillatable member. and pistons.

7. An internal combustion engine comprising a shaft, an even number of cylinders symmetrically arranged in a common plane, said plane being at right angles to said shaft, a reciprocating piston in each cylinder, an oscillatable member having arms operatively associated with said pistons, mounted on said shaft, a power take-off shaft, powerftransmitting means comprising two rotatable elements coaxial with said oscillatable member, interposed between said member and said power take-olf shaft,'operatively associated with said power take-oil' shaft, a unidirectionally operative clutch vdevice interposed between said oscillatable member and each rotatable element, adapted to transmit movement from the former to the latter, said clutch devices being operative in directions opposite one to the other, and means for adjusting the range of oscillation of said oscillatable member and pistons, said means comprising a crank pin rotatable about a fixed center, means ,for adjusting the distance between said crank pin and said fixed center, and a connecting rod extending between said crank pin and said oscillatable member.

8. An internal combustion engine comprising a shaft, an even number of cylinders symmetrically arranged in a common plane, said planev being at right angles to said shaft, a reciprocating piston in each cylinder, an oscillatable member having arms operatively associated with said pistons, mounted on said shaft, a power take-off shaft, power transmitting means comprising two bevel gears coaxial with said oscillatable member, one at each side thereof, and a bevel pinion interposed between and meshing with said gears driving said power take-off shaft for transmitting movement from said oscillatable member to said power takeoff shaft, a unidirectionally operative clutch deviceinterposed between said oscillatable member and each rotatable element, adapted to transmit movement from the former to the latter, said. clutch devices being operative in directions op- 9. An internal combustion engine comprising a shaft, an even number of cylinders symmetrically arranged in a common plane, said plane being at right angles to said shaft, a reciprocating piston in each cylinder, an oscillatable member having arms operatively associated with said pistons, mounted on said shaft, a power take-off shaft, power transmitting means comprising two rotatable elements coaxial with said oscillatable member, interposed between said member yand said power take-oflshaft, operatively 'associated with said power take-oil shaft, a unidirectionally operative clutch device interposed between said oscillatable member and each rotatable element, adapted to transmit movement from the former to the latter, said clutch devices being operative in directions opposite one to the other, and means for adjusting the range of oscillation of said oscillatable member and pistons, said means 10. An internal combustion engine comprising a shaft, an even number of cylinders symmetric-` ally arranged in a common plane, said plane being at right angles to said shaft, a reciprocating piston in each cylinder,v an oscillatable member having arms operativelyassociated with said pistons, mounted on said shaft, a power take-off E shaft, power transmitting means comprising two rotatable elements coaxial with said oscillatable member, interposed between said member and said power take-off shaft, a unidirectionally operative clutch device interposed between said oscillatable member and each rotatable element, adapted to transmit movement from the former to the latter, said clutch devices being operative in directions opposite one to the other, and means for adjusting the rangeof oscillation of said oscillatable member and pistons, said means comprising a crank pin rotatable about a xed center, a connecting block carried by and radially slidable with respect to said oscillatable member, a connecting rod extending between said crank pin and said connecting block, a radially directed adjusting screw mounted on said oscillatable member controlling the position of said block, a pinion carried by the inner end of said screw, an angularly displaceable toothed ring, coaxial with said oscillatable member, engaging said pinion, and means for controlling the angular adjustment of said ring.

11. An internal combustion engine comprising a shaft, an even number of cylindersv symmetrically arranged in a common plane so as to form the sides of a regular polygon, said plane being at right angles to said shaft, a reciprocating piston in each cylinder, a toothed rack integral with each piston, an oscillatable member having segmental toothed portions in mesh with said racks, mounted on said shaft, means for adjusting the range of' travel of said pistons and power trans- -mitting means interposed between said oscillatable member and` said power take-'off shaft converting the oscillatory movement of the former into a rotatory movement of the latter in a continuous direction.

GEORGES RAYMOND LANGROGNET. 

